Just two short weeks after this photo was taken, this KiwiRail line would be devastated by a massive earthquake that would force its closure for up to 2 years while repairs are undertaken. On October 22, 2016, when KiwiRail train 736-22 was seen heading northbound north of Waipara, NZ with DXC class rebuilt GE U26Cs 5241 and 5500 leading the train from Christchurch to Picton, NZ.
Trains on 3' 6" (1.067m) track from Whangarei to Bluff with virtually heritage rebuilt EMD and GE locomotives still the mainstay power. The network was privatized in 1990's and operated by Toll until 2008 when state owned KiwiRail was established.
